Getting Started with Dating Apps in Japan
Japan’s dating culture can be both exciting and challenging for newcomers. For foreigners looking to find romance here, dating apps have become an important tool. Whether you’re new to Japan or have been living here for a while, this guide will walk you through the top dating apps, including their features, costs, language settings, and user demographics — so you can find the platform that best meets your needs.
Online dating in Japan might differ from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. While some apps emphasize casual encounters, others are oriented toward marriage and long-term relationships. Cultural nuances also influence how people interact on these platforms. Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand some key points:
- Communicating with Japanese people: Many locals prefer to exchange a few messages before meeting in person, which may feel slower than in Western countries.
- Language Barriers: Some apps have English interfaces, but many profiles and interactions may still be in Japanese. Be prepared to use translation tools or brush up on your Japanese for smoother communication. For apps that originated in the West, many Japanese people’s profiles will mention their ability to speak English or other languages. It is a good idea to give a description of your Japanese ability, too. The most common way is to write something short and sweet, such as: “JPN – OK!”, or “日本語OK!” (even more reassuring).
- Profile Verification: Serious apps often require identity checks to keep fake profiles out. Always verify your own profile if the app allows it, as it boosts credibility. Sometimes, without verification, you might be suspected of being a sakura: a fake profile that exists only to drive engagement with the app.
By knowing what to expect, you can make your dating experience more rewarding and less stressful.
Popular Dating Apps in Japan
Japan’s dating app market is diverse, catering to different needs and preferences. While some apps are tailored for serious relationships, others focus on casual dating or even just friendships. Additionally, there are apps specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. Here are some of the most widely used dating apps in Japan.
Tinder
Tinder is one of the most recognizable dating apps worldwide, and Japan is no exception. The app is known for its simple, innovative and swiping feature that allows users to quickly connect with potential matches. Tinder’s user base in Japan includes a mix of locals and foreigners, making it a great choice for those looking to expand their dating options.
However, there are some drawbacks, when compared to Tinder abroad. If you’re looking for men, you will sometimes find that they have (sneakily, as it is against the Tinder ToS) snuck some nudes into their pics. If it’s women you’re swiping for, you’ll find dozens of sakura, as well as profiles with purikura-style graphics slathered all over the profile pictures. Understandable, as privacy is important, but frustrating for anyone trying to make a connection.
App Information
- Main Users: Young adults, among both Japanese and expats
- Language Settings: Available in multiple languages, including English and Japanese
- Cost: Free with optional premium features (Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold)
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: Yes
- Usage: Primarily used for casual dating, though some users seek serious relationships. The app’s algorithm suggests matches based on location and mutual interests. Many Japanese users may prefer to chat for an extended period before meeting in person, unlike in Western countries where dates are often arranged more quickly.
Bumble
Bumble, similar to Tinder, allows users to swipe and match, but with a unique twist: women must initiate the conversation. This feature encourages more respectful interactions, and so is favored by women who prefer a more controlled approach to online dating.
There are some exceptions: men can pay extra for “compliments,” which are a way of sending one — and only one — message to try and initiate a conversation. This can be helpful if you think that someone is just your type, and you want to make the first move. But it is recommended not to be too forward: Bumble is designed to be a safe dating app for women, so always be respectful, or you can get reported.
It can also be used to search for friends, or even business and employment opportunities, using different search modes.
App Information
- Main Users: Young professionals and members of the international community
- Language Settings: English and Japanese
- Cost: Free with premium options (Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium)
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: Yes. If you match with someone of the same gender, or someone non-binary, agender, or gender-fluid, either side can initiate the first message
- Usage: Casual and serious dating, networking, and friendships. Bumble also offers additional modes such as Bumble BFF for making friends and Bumble Bizz for professional networking. While less widely used in Japan compared to Tinder and Pairs, it has a growing user base among English-speaking expats.
Pairs
Pairs is one of the most popular dating apps among Japanese locals. It is often seen as a serious dating platform, making it ideal for those looking for a long-term relationship. The app provides extensive profile customization and detailed compatibility metrics to help users find the right partner.
While women can use it for free, for men the subscription to be capable of reading and sending messages is ¥3,700 a month, making it one of the more expensive options. Because it is a Japanese app, you will also need to be confident in your Japanese speaking ability: unlike Tinder, there are not many people willing to overlook a language barrier for a night of fun. However, if you can speak Japanese and are looking for a long-term relationship, it is known for the high number and quality of users.
App Information
- Main Users: Predominantly Japanese, but some expats as well
- Language Settings: Japanese (with limited English support)
- Cost: Free for women, subscription-based for men
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: While you can set “LGBT” as a preference in your profile, the app will only display people of the opposite gender that you registered as, so it is not the best app for LGBTQ+ people to use
- Usage: Focused on meaningful relationships, with detailed profiles and personality-based matchmaking. Pairs is known for its sophisticated filtering system, allowing users to search based on education, hobbies, and values. It also encourages users to add multiple photos and detailed self-descriptions to increase authenticity.
Omiai
Omiai, meaning “arranged meeting” in Japanese, is another dating app aimed at those looking for marriage or long-term relationships. It appeals to users who are interested in a traditional approach to matchmaking and is popular among those in their late 20s and 30s.
Similarly to Pairs, it allows for your search criteria to be quite specific, and even includes filters for income and profession. As an app whose main goal is for the users to get engaged and eventually married, this can seem a little daunting for people used to western apps that typically do not consider this information. Omiai will also require you to be skilled at speaking Japanese for the best results.
App Information
- Main Users: Japanese men and women looking for serious relationships
- Language Settings: Japanese only
- Cost: Free for women, subscription-based for men
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: As a marriage-centered app in a country that does not have marriage equality, you are only shown people of the opposite gender to your own
- Usage: Ideal for users who want a more traditional approach to dating. The app has a strong emphasis on security, requiring identity verification to reduce fake profiles. The detailed profiles and compatibility-based matching system make Omiai a great option for those seeking a committed relationship.
JapanCupid
JapanCupid is the local variant of OKCupid, and is designed specifically for expats interested in dating Japanese people and vice-versa.
It is known for its rigorous profile testing, to direct you to the best potential matches on the app, and as one of the oldest matchmaking sites on the internet, it has a solid reputation and a large number of profiles to match with. However, this longevity and trustworthiness has also meant that it has attracted a lot of sakura, and the roughly 45-minute profile-building test can be a lot more hassle than using other apps.
That being said, it remains popular among Japanese people looking to date foreigners, so if that is your goal, it might be worth it.
App Information
- Main Users: Foreigners and Japanese seeking international relationships
- Language Settings: Multiple languages, including English and Japanese
- Cost: Free with premium memberships available
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: Yes
- Usage: International dating, long-term relationships, and cultural exchange. Users can browse profiles and send initial messages for free but must subscribe for full messaging capabilities. The app has a mix of users looking for both casual dating and serious commitments.
HER
HER is a well-known dating app designed specifically for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. It provides a safe and inclusive space for women to connect, whether they are looking for relationships, friendships, or a sense of community.
And it this community aspect that has made it the most popular and enduring “sapphic app.” As well as arranging dates, you can discuss local events and opportunities aimed towards queer women.
Additionally, it allows you to have a profile that does not reveal your face, an increasingly rare option for many apps in 2025, and you can browse in an “incognito mode,” so your searching isn’t revealed unless and until you are ready to make a move.
App Information
- Main Users: Lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer women
- Language Settings: English (with limited Japanese support)
- Cost: Free with premium options
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: Naturally
- Usage: Community-oriented dating app that also offers social networking features like events and group discussions.
Grindr
Grindr is the most popular gay dating app worldwide and is widely used in Japan. It offers location-based matchmaking, making it easy for users to find and connect with others nearby.
As in the west, Grindr is extremely popular among queer men for casual encounters and hook-ups. Its popularity in the west also means that many of the Japanese men who use it have at least a passable level of English, so communication is not always difficult.
However, as with other apps, there are many sakura profiles, and some users have reported experiences with “expat machos”: not gym bros from abroad, but those who are more aggressive and vulgar, compared to Japanese users.
App Information
- Main Users: Gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer men
- Language Settings: English, Japanese
- Cost: Free with premium subscription options
- LGBTQ+ Friendly?: Of course
- Usage: Primarily used for casual encounters, but some users are also seeking long-term relationships. Due to the app’s location-based nature, matches can be made instantly, making it convenient for users looking to meet nearby individuals.
Tips for Foreigners Using Dating Apps in Japan
Before jumping into swiping, here are a few tips to help you navigate the Japanese dating scene:
- Profile Photos and Bios: Japanese users often prefer clear, modest photos rather than group shots or overly flashy images. Include a friendly, smiling picture and avoid overly casual selfies if possible.
- Language Strategy: If your Japanese is limited, focus on apps with robust English support (e.g., Tinder, Bumble, JapanCupid). For other apps like Pairs or Omiai, basic Japanese or a translation app can be a big help.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Politeness is key. Take the time to greet politely and read their profile carefully. Show genuine interest in their hobbies or background.
- Beware of Scammers: As with any dating platform, stay cautious. Verify profiles when possible, and avoid sending personal or financial information too early. Most serious apps in Japan have measures to reduce fake profiles but always trust your instincts.
- Be Patient: Quick meetups might be less common than in Western cultures. Expect more back-and-forth messaging before scheduling a date.
Navigating the dating scene in Japan as an expat can be exciting and challenging. By understanding the different dating apps available, their features, and the cultural aspects of dating in Japan, you can make the most of your experience. Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or something more casual, there is a dating app in Japan that fits your needs. Choose the right platform, be mindful of cultural differences, and for the best results, be patient and respectful in your interactions, and keep an open mind to different cultural dating norms. Happy dating!
